News digest from this week in Thame

A charity Gig and BBQ held at The Three Horsehoes pub in Towersey on May 27, raised £1,020, which is going to be split between two charities, the British Legion and the drop in Cancer centre. Tay o’Lay provided the music and Master Chef contestant, Ashley Byrne cooked the BBQ.

Mark wetter (right) & Ashley Byrne

RYCOTE Park and Gardens will be opened to the public to raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Rycote Park opens its historic doors on Wednesday, June 7, for the first time as part of Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s Open Gardens programme. Visitors will get a rare opportunity to explore the magnificent grounds and gardens, which date back to the 16th Century, whilst helping to raise funds for the charity.

Situated on the outskirts of Thame, Rycote Park is steeped in history. Once a great Tudor mansion, it was almost completely demolished in 1807 and all that remains today is part of the south-west tower. The 14th Century Rycote Chapel, which pre-dates the house, was built for the medieval owners of the estate and has survived with many of its original medieval fittings. The Tudor mansion at Rycote was arguably the dominant country house in early modern Oxfordshire and played host to six English kings and queens, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

Kate Martin, Event Fundraising Manager for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, says: “We are extremely lucky to be able to give our supporters a rare insight and guided tour of this magnificent estate, which features for the first time in our annual Open Gardens programme. We hope this extra special event will raise lots of money for the Charity and help make this year’s scheme one of the most successful yet!”

The visit to Rycote Park will begin with an introductory talk on the estate’s history by owner Sarah Taylor, before visitors are led on a tour of the Chapel, historic grounds and gardens of Rycote, taking in the research done by Time Team, amongst others.

The morning event will run between 10.30-12.30pm at Rycote Park, Thame, OX9 2PE. Tickets are £30 and only available in advance. Visit TVAA’s website www.tvairambulance.org.uk/rycote or call 0300 999 0135

THAME Equipment Bank – volunteer manager – Thame Equipment Bank is one of the 21st Century Thame initiatives, in conjunction with Thame Town Council, and aims to provide low-cost equipment for hire to community organisations & groups, as well as private not-for-profit hire in the Thame area. They are currently looking for a Volunteer Manager to ensure the Equipment Bank is fully utilised, facilitate bookings, stock check and administrate the finances. Download the job role and description or email Sue, Chair of 21st Century Thame, suedownhill@gmail.com for further information and an informal discussion.

The ducks are tipped into the river Thame ready to race. Image – Nick White 2014

BOOK your place in the duck race! – This year’s Thame Duck Race will take place on Sunday, June 11, at Thame Bridge (Priest End), with gates opening at 10:45am. Purchase your duck race ticket from the Town Hall now for just £2, with all proceeds going to local charities, causes and sports clubs. If your duck is one of the first three across the finish line, you could win a prize voucher worth up to £50! The event is being organised Thame Round Table.

FUNDING available for innovative projects promoting walking and cycling – don’t miss out! Exciting opportunity to apply for funding for new projects promoting walking and cycling.

The Department for Transport will fund up to £470,000 for innovative projects that lead to more walking and cycling. Proposals will tackle current barriers and encourage more journey stages to be made by bicycle or on foot. Innovations may include, for example, technology, infrastructure, manufacturing or behavioural change.

The competition is open to individuals, groups and organisations. It is particularly suitable for early-stage, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Industry partners such as local government, independent and third sectors can carry out the project on their own or with others.

This competition has two phases. Up to £170,000 is allocated for phase one, and up to £300,000 for phase two.
phase 1: proof of concept. Projects should last up to 15 weeks and range in size up to a total cost of £25,000 each
phase 2: demonstrator projects. Projects should last up to 9 months. They can range in size up to a total cost of £100,000 per project

The deadline to register for this competition is June 7, 2017. The deadline for submission of applications is 14 June 2017
LINK HERE for full details.

Time is short so if you are interested, register now!

BEES are in trouble – can you help? Join the Friends of the Earth’s Great British Bee Count until June 30, 2017. There’s a free app to help you get started in identifying and recording different species. By taking part, you’ll learn more about our brilliant bees and easy ways to help them. It’s also a great nature activity to do with children – encouraging them to get up close with these wonderful insects. Over 15,000 people took part in last year’s count.